PSG aim to secure title, Ranieri eyes new deal

Paris Saint-Germain’s head coach Laurent Blanc arrives prior to a press conference at the Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, yesterday.

PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain come into today’s fixture at home to beaten cup finalists Rennes with one clear aim: sewing up the Ligue 1 title.

The big-spending Parisians could have already snared a fourth Ligue 1 crown but a draw at Sochaux on April 27 saw them miss out.

However, it has allowed them the chance of sealing the title at their Parc des Princes home, which will undoubtedly have a party atmosphere today should PSG prove successful.

And adding to the festive feel, star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in line to make his return from a hamstring strain.

And there is no reason to assume the game will go any other way against a Rennes side who lost 2-0 to Guingamp in Saturday’s French Cup final, but who are fighting for their lives, sitting just three points above the relegation zone.

PSG have had an extra few days off after this fixture was postponed from the weekend as Rennes were involved in the Cup final. But that has not meant things have been plain-sailing, with press speculation claiming that record signing Edinson Cavani could be bound for the English Premier League with both Manchester United and Chelsea mooted as possible destinations

There has also been talk of AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini becoming the club’s new sporting director, a post that has been empty this season following Brazilian Leonardo’s departure in June after he was handed a lengthy 12-month ban for barging a referee. The French champions have not commented on the rumour, preferring to focus on today’s match, but Maldini himself told BeIN SPORTS, that the club does not need him, nor a sporting director.

Meanwhile, things are not entirely tranquil at PSG’s only remaining title rivals Monaco.

Despite a stunning first season back in the French top flight, in which they are guaranteed a top two finish -- and consequently a place in next season’s Champions League group stages -- there remains uncertainty over coach Claudio Ranieri’s future, with just one year left on his contract.

Not that Ranieri seems worried. “I think this week I will speak (with club officials) to set up a meeting,” said the Italian.